Oral Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment
Overview
Oral cancer (Mouth Cancer) is the sixth most common cancer in the world. India accounts for one-fourth of all oral cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. It is the most common cancer in males in India.
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Chewing of tobacco, betel nut and “pan masala”
- Chronic irritation from a sharp tooth or ill-fitting denture
Signs and Symptoms
Patients may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Non-healing ulcer which may be painless/painful
- Swellings in the gums, palate or tongue
- Loose teeth
Diagnosis
After clinical examination, the doctor may recommend
- CT scan – It is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x-rays to build cross-sectional images of the body.
Treatment
- Factors considered to decide on the course of treatment include overall physical health, the type and stage of cancer, the probability of curing the disease, and the impact of treatment on functions like speech, chewing and swallowing.
FAQ
- Does mouth cancer grow fast?
- What do the early stages of mouth cancer look like?
- Who is most at risk of mouth cancer?
- How dangerous is mouth cancer?
- Which food is good for mouth cancer?
